Tsoureki Pasxalino (Greek Easter Sweet Bread)

Tsoureki is an old time classic when it comes to Easter! Every Greek house has at least one piece. Kids and Adults love this little sweet bread. Many Greeks also, give Tsourekia as a gift. I'm sure you will love them. This recipe is from my grandmother Panagioulla, which I thank her. My grandma makes the best tsoureki in town, so I'm sure that I won't let you down. Have fun making them!

For 25-30 pieces (depending on the shape)
Ingredients:

• 250 gr. butter or margarine (melted)
• 2 pieces of fresh yeast
• 3 cups white sugar
• 1/2 ltr. warm milk
• 2 kg. all-purpose flour
• 7 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of ground kardamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground mahlep 

Preparation time: 2-3 h      Cook: 20-30 min   

Directions:

1. In one cup of water put the yeast and about 2-3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (NOTE: You do not put any extra flour, just take some from the 2 kg. that we included in the ingredients list. This will prevent the tsourekia to be hard when we bake them.) and then you melt them.
2. Set the mixture aside for about 30 min. and wait until it rises.
3. Then put all the other ingredients (room temperature), except the butter and stir until it becomes a dough. When you knead the mixture you must wet your hands with the melted butter. When finished, wait until it doubles in size.
4. Now you can make whatever shape you want, put them on parchment paper and cover them with a towel and wait until they rise.
5. Before you put them in the oven rub the upper part with egg.
6. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) for 20-30 min until golden - brown.

Image by: cuisinovia.com